
House of Sallust
Step back in time to a Roman city frozen by volcanic ash, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

House of Sallust
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time to a Roman city frozen by volcanic ash, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient life.
"Pompeii is an extraordinary place, a ghost of a ghost that will forever have my heart."

Hydrate & Protect Yourself
Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen/hats. The Italian sun can be intense, and there's limited shade. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Get a Map!
Pompeii is vast! Grab a map at the entrance or download one to navigate the ruins effectively. :world_map:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Forum
Central Pompeii
The heart of ancient Pompeii, this vast public space was once a bustling hub of civic and religious life.
The Amphitheatre
Eastern Pompeii
One of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatres, imagine gladiatorial contests and public spectacles here.
House of the Vettii
Region V
Marvel at the remarkably preserved frescoes and intricate details of this wealthy Roman villa.
The Lupanar (Brothel)
Region VII
A stark reminder of daily life, this well-preserved brothel features explicit frescoes and ancient graffiti.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hydrate & Protect Yourself
Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen/hats. The Italian sun can be intense, and there's limited shade. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Get a Map!
Pompeii is vast! Grab a map at the entrance or download one to navigate the ruins effectively. :world_map:
Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your understanding with a knowledgeable guide who can bring the history to life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Pompeii tickets in advance. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Hydrate & Protect Yourself
Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen/hats. The Italian sun can be intense, and there's limited shade. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Get a Map!
Pompeii is vast! Grab a map at the entrance or download one to navigate the ruins effectively. :world_map:
Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your understanding with a knowledgeable guide who can bring the history to life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Pompeii tickets in advance. :ticket:
Explore Beyond the Main Path
Venture off the beaten path to discover quieter, equally fascinating areas of the ancient city. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Pompeii as an extraordinary and moving experience, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Roman life. While the scale and preservation are highly praised, some find certain areas lacking in exhibits or feel overwhelmed by the crowds and heat.
"Amazing"
Heart
"Ok"
suhiman rasmad
"Nice"
David Rod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Garibaldi station towards Sorrento. Get off at the 'Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri' stop, which is right by the main entrance. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Some travelers also opt for private transfers or organized tours for convenience.
Yes, there are several parking lots available near the main entrances of the Pompeii archaeological site. However, they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider arriving early if you're driving.
While possible, it's a very long day trip. You'd need to take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and then the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii. Many find it more enjoyable to stay overnight in Naples or Sorrento.
Similar to Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento towards Naples. The 'Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri' station is a convenient stop. The ride is shorter, around 30 minutes.
While trains are the most popular and direct option, some local bus services might connect to Pompeii, but they are generally less frequent and can be more complicated to navigate for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a standard adult ticket is typically around €18-€20. It's always best to check the official Pompeii archaeological park website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Absolutely! Booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues at the ticket office, especially during peak tourist seasons. This also guarantees your entry.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Generally, Pompeii opens around 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 7 PM. Always verify the exact hours for your visit on the official website, as they can change.
Sometimes combined tickets are available that include other nearby archaeological sites like Herculaneum or Oplontis. Check the official ticketing platform for current offers.
There is no strict dress code, but comfortable clothing and footwear are essential due to the extensive walking on uneven terrain. Modest attire is always appreciated out of respect for the historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pompeii is vast! To see the main highlights, allocate at least 3-4 hours. For a more in-depth exploration, a full day (6-8 hours) is recommended. Many visitors feel they could spend days here.
Don't miss the Forum, the Amphitheatre, the House of the Vettii, the Lupanar (brothel), and the Stabian Baths. The plaster casts of victims are also incredibly moving.
Yes, there are a few cafes and snack bars within the archaeological site where you can grab a quick bite or a drink. However, options are limited and can be pricey. Bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea.
Pompeii is a challenging site for those with mobility issues due to its ancient, uneven terrain. Some main paths are accessible, but many areas are not. Check the official website for specific accessibility information.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permits. Be respectful of other visitors and the historical integrity of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The Forum offers grand, sweeping views. The Amphitheatre provides dramatic perspectives. Look for well-preserved frescoes in houses like the House of the Vettii and the Villa of the Mysteries for colorful shots. The ancient streets with Vesuvius in the background are also iconic.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Midday sun can be harsh and wash out colors. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly magical.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, professional shoots, drones, and tripods often require advance permission and fees. Always check the latest regulations on the official site.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide shots of the ruins and details of frescoes. A wide-angle lens is useful for the Forum and Amphitheatre. Consider a lightweight setup as you'll be walking a lot.
Use leading lines from the ancient streets, include people for scale, and find vantage points that showcase the vastness of the site. The Forum and the Amphitheatre are excellent for this.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips: Bring plenty of snacks and water, as options inside are limited and can be expensive. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. A stroller might be difficult to navigate on some of the ancient paths, so a carrier might be more practical for very young children.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Allocate a full day or even two to truly absorb the site. Research specific houses or public buildings beforehand to focus your exploration. Look for information on recent discoveries, as Pompeii continues to yield new insights.
📸 Photographers
Tips for photographers: Visit during the shoulder seasons or early/late in the day to avoid crowds and harsh midday light. A versatile lens setup is recommended. Be mindful of any restrictions on professional equipment like tripods or drones. Capture the textures of the ancient stones and the stories told by the remaining structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Modern technology, including AI, is helping to visualize and understand this event. AI-generated recreations offer a glimpse into the final moments of Pompeii's citizens, bringing the history to life in a new way. Scientists continue to study the volcanic deposits and the city's remains to better understand the eruption's dynamics and its impact. The ongoing discoveries, like the 'Blue Room' with its rare pigment, continue to reveal new facets of this ancient civilization.
Daily Life in Ancient Pompeii
The homes, from modest dwellings to opulent villas like the House of the Vettii, showcase intricate frescoes, mosaics, and courtyards, giving a sense of domestic life and artistic tastes. The Lupanar, the city's brothel, with its explicit frescoes depicting services offered, provides a stark look at a different aspect of social life. Graffiti found on walls offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the thoughts, jokes, and political sentiments of the time.
Archaeologists have also uncovered evidence of the city's economy, including workshops and market areas. The preservation of everyday objects, from pottery to tools, allows us to reconstruct the material culture of Pompeii. The plaster casts of victims, created by pouring plaster into the voids left by decomposed bodies, are a poignant reminder of the human tragedy and the lives that were so abruptly ended.
Exploring Pompeii: Tips from Travelers
To make the most of your visit, consider getting a map or downloading one beforehand, as the site is extensive and can be disorienting. Some travelers highly recommend hiring a licensed guide or using an audio guide to truly understand the context and history of the ruins. This helps bring the silent stones to life and provides deeper insights than simply wandering.
For those looking to avoid the biggest crowds, visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is frequently suggested. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Some visitors also suggest exploring beyond the most famous areas to discover quieter, equally fascinating parts of the city.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit